Router unable to sustain download speeds?

NiGHTSNiGHTS San Diego Icrontian
edited December 2007 in Nerdery
So here's one that's bugging me. I'm back at home for the holidays and my parent's router (Linksys BEFW11S4 V.2 - old and tough, damn thing won't die) seems to be unable to hold a sustainable download from Steam for any given period of time when wireless.

However, when I switch channels, it feels rejuvenated and decides to give me great speeds for 5-20mins. It gets tired, though, and slows down. The same thing occurs when browsing, downloading, or watching streaming video.

Is this a sign of a dying router? How can it work hard for 5 minutes, then turn around and give up when I'm not looking? :confused:

Comments

  • LeonardoLeonardo Wake up and smell the glaciers Eagle River, Alaska Icrontian
    edited December 2007
    It might be overheating. I assume there are ventilation holes on the top and bottom. Check for dust obstruction. If the lower vents are very close to the resting surface, elevate it a bit and see if that helps.
  • DJ_EvergreenDJ_Evergreen MB, Canada Member
    edited December 2007
    Only way to see if it is the router is to either buy a new router or plug your computer directly into the modem and bypass your router and then see if you have the same problems.

    I had an old router (non linksys) that kept disconnecting or got so slow it wasn't usable. Turned out to be the router.
  • NiGHTSNiGHTS San Diego Icrontian
    edited December 2007
    We just plopped it on the DVR, Leo, which does actually generate a lot of heat. I'll try moving it to see if that helps. Wired connections are not suffering from these 'symptoms'. Should have made that clear, I suppose.
  • NiGHTSNiGHTS San Diego Icrontian
    edited December 2007
    Heat isn't the culprit. Any other ideas what might be causing this?
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